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EIC Pre-accelerator 2027 – €0.5–1 million grants for deep-tech start-ups in 'Widening' countries such as Greece

Horizon Europe · Widening participation (WIDERA) · EIC Pre-accelerator

Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή – Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο Καινοτομίας, EIC (European Commission – European Innovation Council)

In plain words

A €500,000–€1,000,000 grant (70% of costs) for a single deep-tech start-up or SME based in a 'Widening' country such as Greece, to take its technology from the lab towards the market within up to 2 years. The call opens on 5 May 2027 and closes on 18 Nov 2027. Competition is tough and the company covers the other 30%.

Who can apply

A single small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in a Horizon Europe 'Widening' country (Greece is one), with innovative technology already validated in the lab (at least TRL 4, i.e. technology readiness level 4). The EIC page also mentions small mid-caps, but the work programme says SMEs only.

What it pays for

A lump-sum grant for a project of up to 2 years: maturing and validating the technology (from TRL 4 to TRL 5–6) and getting ready for the market and investors (market research, business model, intellectual-property protection, competitor analysis). It includes free EIC business acceleration services (coaching, mentoring) and Fast Track access to the EIC Accelerator.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

  • A single SME (not a consortium) based in Greece or another 'Widening' country
  • Technology validated in the lab (at least TRL 4), aiming for at least TRL 5 by the end of the project
  • Intellectual-property rights that let you exploit the technology
  • A clear route to market, with milestones and measurable indicators
  • Own contribution of 30% of the cost

How to apply

  1. Follow the EIC Pre-accelerator page and topic HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-01-WIDENING-01 on the Funding & Tenders Portal for the final text and the new application form.
  2. Create an EU Login and get a PIC for the company.
  3. Prepare the proposal: technology plan, market and investor plan, milestones and indicators, team.
  4. Submit the proposal (single stage) between 5 May 2027 and 18 Nov 2027.
  5. Three evaluators score it; if selected you sign a grant agreement, and proposals above the thresholds without funding get a Seal of Excellence.

Where to apply: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunitie…

Deadline

Call HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-01 opens on 5 May 2027 and closes on 18 Nov 2027, 17:00 Brussels time (per the work programme). It is planned, not open yet.

Sources we read

Research notes: Topic HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-01-WIDENING-01 (call 'EIC Pre-accelerator - Widening'), status 'Forthcoming' on the portal; planned opening 05/05/2027, deadline 18/11/2027 (portal data and EIC page; the 17:00 Brussels time comes from the work programme). Budget €40M for 2027; grants €500k–€1M per project (portal min/max contribution and EIC page), 70% funding rate, lump sum, up to 2 years. Inconsistencies: the portal description still says €300k–€500k is 'considered appropriate', and the EIC page's grant section still shows the 2025 budget (€20M); the EIC page says 'SME or small mid-cap' while the work programme says SMEs only; TRL wording differs (exit TRL 5 vs TRL 4–6). The EIC page's 'Apply' link still points to the closed 2025 topic. Sector list is indicative: any deep-tech field qualifies.

See also